Teddy Ferrara, a new play by Christopher Shinn having its world premiere at the Owen Theatre in the Goodman, is a perplexing work on several levels. Loosely based on the Tyler Clementi suicide a few years back, Shinn's drama weaves its way through the complex socio-political climate of our higher institutions of learning. LGBTQ acceptance, as well as other ethical issues are explored, examined and debated by students and administrators alike, with each character allowed their own voice in a very complex environment.
Shinn's script revolves around Gabe (Liam Benzvi), a college senior who is head of the university's struggling queer student's group. Gabe's boyfriend Drew (Adam Posh) is editor of the student newspaper who blindsides his colleagues and the university hierarchy by outing a suicide victim who jumped off the library roof the prior year. This sets in motion a myriad of plot points including the newspaper editor's journalistic integrity; the University President's (Patrick Clear) run for Senator and the implications the suicide will have on his campaign, the different agendas of LGBTQ students and faculty; a copy cat suicide and the testing of old friendships.